Collins, who has played for six teams in 12 seasons, is the first active player in the four major American professional sports to come out as gay.

Bucks guard J.J. Redick was asked about Collins' decision to talk about his sexual preference.

"I'm proud of him," Redick said. "I know it's not an easy thing to do, obviously. He showed a lot of courage to come out in the sporting world, in this environment is a very difficult thing. Props to him.

"It doesn't change in any way how I view him or feel about him. If anything, it's a really good thing for our culture."

Collins played for the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards during the past season and will be a free agent this summer.

Redick said he thought Collins would not be received "any differently" if he returns to the league next season. Collins said he wants to continue his career.

Bucks forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute said he was not surprised about a pro athlete saying he was gay.

"That was going to happen," Mbah a Moute said. "Gay people are a part of the society. We live with them. They're our friends; they're our co-workers and now they're our teammates.

"It was going to happen some day or another. It just happened to be today."

Bucks guard-forward Mike Dunleavy said, "I just don't think of guys in terms of sexual preference, who they like, who they date. I don't want to say it's not a big deal, because people are making a big deal out of it.

"If that's what makes him more happy, good for him. Hopefully it encourages other people, if they want to do that, to come out and say it. Hopefully it's a step in the right direction for professional sports and our society."